A small shrine dedicated to a god of lightning and electronics.

This kitsch-forward diner is dedicated to an almost-forgotten “one-cent” prototype of okonomiyaki.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

This Japanese Manneken Pis gets new outfits for every occasion.

This little replica of Lady Liberty provides a bit of NYC in a Japanese city.

A 20-meter (65-foot) robot towers over Tokyo Bay.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

The Port of Yokohama’s customs headquarters building resembles a Moorish kasbah, complete with a minaret.

This deconsecrated church has seen many uses, from a tobacco storehouse to a cinema.

According to tradition this is the oldest church in Venice, but its actual age is a mystery.

Two stone columns flank the grand Venice square, but there were supposed to be three.

Thousand-year-old Viking runes adorn an ancient Greek lion at the entrance to the Venetian Arsenal.

Venice's island of the dead.

Those who own or stay at this 500-year-old, allegedly cursed house often meet terrible fates.

Go inside to really appreciate this 500-year-old technological masterpiece.

This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

This community on a small Venetian island has taken to painting their houses in bright neon hues.

This Venice bookstore has resigned itself to constant flooding by keeping its books in bathtubs and boats.

Touching this little fossil embedded in the wall of a grand mosque-cathedral may make your wishes come true.

Spain's unique Mosque-Cathedral has been a place of worship for both Muslims and Christians throughout its history.

A curious carving hides on a marble column in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.